Perustarve

Perustarve is a Finnish term used in welfare economics and social policy to denote the basic or fundamental needs required for a person to live with health, safety, and dignity. The word combines perust- (base, fundamental) with tarve (need). In policy discussions, perustarve describes the minimal level of living standards that should be secured by social protection systems or market outcomes.

Typical components of perustarve include the essentials necessary for a dignified and healthy life. These commonly encompass adequate food and nutrition, safe and adequate housing, appropriate clothing, access to healthcare and essential medicines, basic sanitation, and education. In addition, opportunities for social participation and access to information are often considered part of a minimum standard, recognizing that exclusion or isolation can undermine well-being.

The exact scope of perustarve varies by country, policy framework, and demographic group, and it can shift over time with changes in prices, technology, and social norms. Because of this variability, perustarve is used more as a normative reference in evaluating welfare adequacy and minimum income schemes than as a fixed statistical threshold. It is closely related to concepts such as the poverty line, living wage, and social security adequacy, while remaining distinct in emphasizing the minimum that preserves dignity and health rather than merely subsistence.

Critics note that defining perustarve can be ambiguous and may overlook non-material needs such as autonomy, social inclusion, or opportunities for personal development. Still, it serves as a foundational concept in discussions about fair access to essential resources.